Page 47 of Winner Takes All

I move to the massive patio doors and step outside onto the huge wooden deck which spills onto a sprawling patio adorned with strings of soft, twinkling lights that crisscross above. Magic. It’s pure magic.

A tiki bar stands to the side, its thatched roof giving it a tropical vibe. The bar’s surrounded by stools carved from driftwood. More of our loved ones are out here, laughing as they lean over the bar to shout out drink orders to Amelia who’s somehow managed to turn into a master mixologist in a matter of weeks.

Near the edge of the patio is a large fire pit encircled by cushioned benches where flames crackle and pop, casting flickering shadows on the faces of everyone gathered around the comforting heat. This is where Dale is sitting, entertaining a group with one of his wild sea stories, making everyone laugh as he animatedly gestures with his missing-finger hand. He’ll be entertaining for many years to come. I might have to dress him up as a pirate and have him stand out front inviting guestsinside. This thought makes me chuckle. He’d really get into that role.

I weave through the crowd, nodding, waving, and talking to everyone. Perfect. Today’s absolutely perfect. I’m stopped by Anna and Gretta who own the bakery and have come in several times to share tips with Victor and me. Right now they’re holding plates piled high with colorful pastries they’re giving to the guests.

This is another reason I love this town. We all work together. We don’t want our restaurant to run anyone else out of business. We want to support one another. There’s room for all of us to thrive, and I have no doubt they have the best goodies in town. Baking’s never been my strong suit even though I have a major sweet tooth. I’ll still be stopping at their bakery multiple times a week.

“Nikki, this place is a dream. You and Victor have made it absolutely beautiful,” Anna gushes as she gives me a hug. “I’m so proud of you. I knew from the time you were a little girl skipping into our shop after school for cream puffs that you’d do something wonderful with your life.”

“Yes, darling, you’ve done very well,” Gretta adds with a smile.

“Thank you both so much. You gave me my first love of food with all of your goodies,” I tell them.

“You better still be coming in,” Anna says.

I laugh. “I was in yesterday,” I tell them. “Nothing will keep me from your scones and bread.”

They beam at me. Then Gretta winks. “Where’s that handsome man of yours? We enjoy talking to you, but we love watching that man walk away. What a nice booty he has.”

This makes me laugh hard. “I’m not sure where he’s run off to, but don’t you worry, he’s as excited about our place as I amand most likely will be making a grand entrance. He’s kind of a diva,” I tell them. They giggle like little girls.

I move along and find John, my favorite chicken farmer, who will keep us well supplied. He’s arguing good-naturedly with Chief Mitchel about whose barbecue sauce is superior. They stop me when I walk past, John lifting a mason jar filled with some concoction he’s positive will be a huge hit. He’s most likely right. I’m sure it will have a spicy kick to it. The man burned his tongue years ago and his idea of spice is much more extreme than the rest of the world’s.

“Nikki, you have to try this,” John says, thrusting the jar into my hand. “It’s my secret sauce and I won’t give you the recipe since I make it myself, but I’m telling you, you’ll want it on the menu.”

Chief Mitchel rolls his eyes. “Oh, please, Nikki, don’t encourage this man. His secret sauce tastes like regret and depression.”

Many people burst out laughing at this. I hesitantly take a taste and smoke comes out of my ears. I cough. “I’m not sure my customers can handle this,” I tell him, quickly guzzling about half of the drink in my hand to try to get the fire from my mouth. That was a tiny taste. I can’t imagine a full bite.

John waves his hand in the air. “You’re all weak. Spice is essential for a healthy gut.”

“I’m not sure you have a gut left,” Mitchell says with a laugh.

I move away and find Mrs. Jones whose crush on Victor worked to our advantage. Then again, she has a crush on many people, but would never act on it because she’s been married to her husband for forty years now and they really do love each other.

My favorite thing about Mrs. Jones is the feud she’s had with Sasha’s mom over blackberry bushes for so many years. I don’tknow when it began. She sidles up to me with a glass of wine in her hand.

“Well, well, little Miss Nikki Sands, you’ve gone and done it. This place is so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes. I’ll be coming in here with Mr. Jones weekly. Everything I’ve tasted so far tonight is absolutely fantastic. You are missing something, though. You need blackberry tarts. I’ll be sure to bring you lots of the berries frommybush.”

I laugh at this. “I’d love to make some blackberry tarts, and they’ll be even better from your specially grown bush,” I tell her.

She beams at me. “Wonderful. I love that you’re going to do a seasonal menu. It makes this place that much better,” she says. She then spots Carol in the corner and zeroes in on her as she turns. I laugh, wondering how loud this will get. At least it’s entertaining.

As I continue my rounds, I see Robert standing with Chief Mitchel who must’ve gotten away from John. Where there’s a bar and the chief isn’t on duty, you’ll find him there. He works hard and sees a lot in life. A drink at the end of the day is essential. I move over to them. Robert has been a true friend to both Victor and me, but especially to Victor. He’ll be bummed to not see Victor in his bar cooking now.

Robert beams at me as he pats the bar. “This is gorgeous, Nik. I love it. You’re putting my poor bar to shame,” he says.

“Your bar’s wonderful and still theitplace to hang out,” I assure him. We’ll have to go back and forth between each other’s places.”

“I’m not worried at all. We’re a family here,” he says. “Seriously, though, you and Victor have created something special here. We’re all greatly impressed and blessed you brought your vision to life in our wonderful town.”

“I really appreciate that, Robert, and more than appreciate all of the help you’ve given us.” I lean in and give him a hug, feelinga warmth that has nothing to do with the tiki torches blazing all over the patio.

“Are you trying to pick up on my woman again?” Victor asks as he suddenly appears at my side. I laugh.

“I should’ve known you’d come out of hiding if I hugged another man,” I tell him with a laugh. He pulls me to him and gives me a kiss.

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